I’ve started doing an Out Season plan from Endurance Nation. The theory is to get faster in the off-season. The workouts are shorter in duration but, typically, intense. This is quite different from most plans that focus on long, slow distance in the off-season.

Well, this morning I got up and really didn’t want to do the workouts. Today was a two workout day – both a bike and run. The bike was an hour with two 15 minute efforts at my functional threshold (this means that it hurts). Then, an easy 40 minute run.

I was tired. Just wanted to sleep. But, I knew it was easier to get the workout done in the morning. I didn’t want to have to think about it all day. So, I got on the bike and did the workout. It hurt. These workouts always hurt. But, I can deal with it because I know I’m getting faster.

Got off the bike and headed to change into running clothes. Its raining. Its chilly (in the 40s). Maybe I should wait until the afternoon to do the run. No, get it out of the way. It was just a sprinkle or light rain. I’ve always kind of liked running in the rain. Rain is OK. Rain and cold are a lot harder. Anyway, I went ahead and changed clothes and went out for my run. Ended up being a great run and loosened up my legs after the bike. Got home and had a great, hot shower. Then, this left the rest of my day open to get lots of work (and a nap) done.

My lesson from today – often you don’t want to do what you need to. At these times, you have to Just Do It! You have to turn off that little voice telling you all the reasons not to do it and Just Do It! Once you do it, the next time you don’t want to, you can remember the day you did it and do it again.

The next time that litte voice says “you don’t need to do it,” tell yourself “I need to Just Do It!” Then, go do it!